Life and Lust

We all know the story of how Delilah betrayed Sampson, but have you read the whole story?  Sampson was a man of God, a champion for Israel, but he basically sold his soul for a woman who used her charm to lead him to his death, both physical and spiritual. Yes, Sampson trusted God and God blessed him with a final bout of strength to overcome, killing Delilah and his enemies all in one blow.

Why this story in a blog about dating? The story of Sampson and Delilah can be used as an example for both men and women and getting caught up in lust, allowing lust to take over the relationship. Sampson allowed his lust for Delilah to overtake him and his common sense, which destroyed him in the end. Had Sampson not fallen for her charms, he may have had a different ending.

I’ve seen a lot of people (men and women) fall for someone based on physical appearance, and then are crushed when their “relationship” doesn’t work out. Typically, a relationship built on physical appearance and lust won’t last, because the lust eventually fades away and you are left with a person you have nothing in common with and cannot stand, wondering why you even started a relationship with that person in the first place.

We are warned of immorality in Proverbs 5 and the pitfalls of succumbing to an immoral person. If you think you can withstand the seduction of an immoral man or woman, take another look at Sampson. Most of us have a story or two of someone who seduced us (or attempted to) and the aftermath of dealing with that seduction. How were you affected? What was your spiritual life like after that seduction happened? Were there any consequences besides spiritual ones? How did you recover?

Those questions are important –not to answer in a public forum – because if there has been no recovery, then you cannot be used to further the Kingdom of God. Know this: if you are still dwelling in the sins of your past, there is a way out of it. God loves you and wants to use you AND your mistakes. How can He do this? God wants us to confess our sins to Him, so He can lovingly forgive us and guide us to a Christ centered life.

When we confess our sins, and God forgives us, He can use your mistakes to potentially teach others from what you have learned. Or He will bring someone into your life that is currently where you have been, or someone who could be heading in that direction. Perhaps you will be able to steer them back on course. Only God really knows how He can use your mistakes, but if you allow Him to lead your life, He can and will use it.

You can be a blessing to someone if you will allow God to guide your life, rather than you trying to run your life.